Kershaw and Maeda Go Star Wars in Topps Latest Online Offering

As the saying goes, "may the 4th be with you."

Today is a Star Wars holiday.  So what better way to celebrate it then to release a special edition of Star Wars themed cards featuring your favorite Baseball players.  For the next 24 hours, or so, Topps is making available 10" x 14" poster wall art and 5" x 7" card sets that pays tribute to an old Star Wars Topps trading card design.  Specifically, it was used for the sticker insert cards released in 1977.  Go here to check out the two Dodger players available - Clayton Kershaw and Kenta Maeda.

Herschiser Error Highlights Topps Newest Jumbo Wall Art Cards

The 1987 Topps Baseball card design has always elicited mixed emotions with me.  When I first saw the set as a teen I hated the design.  It reminded me of the family wood-sided station-wagon we used to take on long arduous road trips.  With the passage of time, however, I've gained an appreciation for it.

Today, it is quirky and nostalgic.  Almost thirty years later I think fondly of not only ripping open pack after pack of this product, but also of those family jaunts to far off places.  They are memories that I cherish today, and to see the set come back as an tribute with current Dodgers makes me smile.

Featured here are pics of the complete ten card 1987 Tribute set release by Topps, and it is available online as either an 5" x 7" complete set or individually as much larger sized wall art.  Go here to take a look.

Of special note is the Orel Hershiser card - the only former Dodger in the set.  As you can see in the screengrab above, Topps messed up.  They have misspelled Orel's last name - adding a "c" where is doesn't belong.

I wonder if the printed cards contain this error.  I figure the pic in the Topps listing online is a digital representation of the set, so there's no guarantee that this is actually what you'll get.  What I do know, though, is that these cards are ready to ship within three to five days, so it's likely that they've already been printed.  Like many cards made in the 80's I suspect this will be an uncorrected error.

UPDATE:  I sent along this post to Topps and they have just informed me that the cards have yet to be printed, so they'll be making the appropriate changes.  Oh well, I was looking forward to seeing the error.

@ernestreyes Thanks, we will get it fixed. It's not printed yet.

— Topps Company (@toppscards) April 20, 2016

Now check out pics of the entire set below.

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Segedin, Wright and Roberts Say's No iPad

Check out Roy Campanella hanging out with some little leaguers at the place he called home during Spring Training - at "Campy's Corner."  Dated to March 1959, photo found on eBay, he would often regale players and fans alike with stories of yore. 

Below are more links to check out:

• Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports writes something funny.  He makes some outlandish predictions for every team.

Dodgers:  Team president Friedman, reacting to a series of injuries down the stretch, buys Cuba to fortify team with major-league-ready replacements.

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Roberts not planning to use iPad during games."

"I'm used to looking at paper and I kind of have certain things that I like to go to and reference when you walk through an individual game," Roberts said. "To navigate through an iPad, I don't want to have to worry about it loading up. I want to know where I have to go for information."

Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2015 - Dodger Links - JP Howell, Dave Roberts and Clayton Kershaw

I ran into this vintage 1913 original International Film Service photograph of former Brooklyn Robins infielder George Cutshaw on eBay and wanted to share it.  Check out the auction link here.

Cutshaw was an average second baseman, slashing .260/.303/.342/.645, during his six year stay in Brooklyn during the deadball era of the early teens.  He didn't have much power, but who really did during those times?  Cutshaw was noted for his speed, though.  He recorded more triples than home runs during his career and swiped a total of 271 bases over a twelve year Major League career.

George Cutshaw is also notable, as a Dodger, for being the first ballplayer in the clubs history to record six hits during a nine inning game.  On August 9, 1914 in a game against the Cubs in Chicago Cutshaw went a perfect 6 for 6 - all of them singles.

The photograph above is also notable to card collectors for being the original image used for Cutshaw's card in the 1917 E135 Collins-McCarthy Candy Company set.  Check out that card on the right.

Below are more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares his own list, "Ranking every Dodger season since 1988."
• Via Anthony Irwin at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers Raise Season Ticket Prices."
• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers assistant athletic trainer Nancy Patterson Flynn resigns." 
• JP Howell will stay Blue, via a tweet from Buster Olney:

Reliever J.P. Howell is exercising his 2016 player option with the Dodgers, for $6.25 million.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 5, 2015

• Davey Lopes, on the other hand, will coach 1st base for the Nationals, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Here's another story pushing for Dave Roberts.  Via Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports, "Dodgers, with proud history of diversity, could pick Roberts as manager."

The Mariners nearly hired Roberts as their new manager, with one source saying he finished a "very close" second to Scott Servais. Like Kapler, Roberts is a former major-league outfielder. Unlike Kapler, he has major-league coaching experience — five seasons with the Padres, the last two as bench coach.

• Here's another managerial candidate, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: #Dodgers will interview #Mets bench coach Bob Geren for managerial opening.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 4, 2015

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "History, Peaks, and Clayton Kershaw."

Probably the biggest part of it is just that pitchers are tougher to compare across generations, and it might be easier to “dismiss” the historic nature of what Kershaw has done by recognizing that it’s happened during one of the most depressed run environments the live-ball era has ever seen.

Even with the run environment considered, what Kershaw has done these past five seasons is absolutely historic.

• Panini America just announced a brand new set that will arrive in January 2016.  It is called National Treasures College, and as the name suggest it focuses on some of the best current and former collegiate athletes.  Unfortunately, Baseball players are likely to play only a small part in the set, but it apparently will include one particular former Dodger of note.  They shared a preview pic of a Jackie Robinson UCLA auto-cut card.  Check it out on the right.  See more preview pics here.
• Here is round two of an Topps online exclusive set called "Topps Fire."  Check out the two Dodger cards available from its initial release in July here.  It features the artwork of Tyson Beck, measure 10"x14" and are limited in number (#/49).  A rare "1 of 1" sepia version is also available.  The new Dodger additions are Joc Pederson and Corey Seager.  Check them out below.  You can order them here.

• Brilliant!  Via a tweet from Metro LA:

Hey Zack Greinke whatever the @Dodgers offer + free TAP card for life. #offeryoucantrefuse #stayzackstay pic.twitter.com/LYVjtkI2Bb

— Metro (@metrolosangeles) November 4, 2015

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2015 - Dodger Links - McCarthy, Greinke and Matt Kemp

Together again.

On the day Nancy Bea Hefley announced her retirement she gets with former Dodger outfielder Matt Kemp one last time for a photograph.  It's also just as nice to see the two former teammates, Kemp and Andre Ethier, together again in the photo below.  Both pics via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to see more pics from Jon of yesterday's game.

Although Kemp has had an fairly up-'n-down season this year he still managed to drive in 100 runs while slashing 265/.312/.443.  Certainly not a marked improvement over last years numbers, he still proved that he can be an effective hitter at the plate.  Unfortunately, his season has been cut short.  He will sit out the final five games of the year due to a sore right hand.  Via Jeff Sanders at the San Diego Tribune:

“Every time I swing, it got irritated – sharp little pain,” Kemp said after Tuesday’s game. “I wanted to keep going, but they thought it would be better for me to sit this one out.”

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Wrist injury may keep Van Slyke out of postseason."
• This is fun.  Via Gemma Kaneko at Cut4, "Which Dodgers player are you? Only this quiz can determine the answer."  Apparently, I'm like Zach Greinke.

Congratulations, you're Zack Greinke! You're focused and hard-working and very, very polite. Most importantly, you have GREAT hair.

• Via Eno Sarris at FanGraphs, "Zack Greinke on Pitching Inside."  Sarris breaks down, piece by piece, the statement made by Zach below.

“I noticed that when you throw away to people, they hit the ball hard,” the Dodgers’ pitcher said, “But they get out a lot more often, too. If you come in to them, they don’t hit the ball hard as often, but somehow they find a way to get hits more often. They’re getting hits more often inside even though their better swings are away and they’re hitting the ball hard more often away. I think they hit a lot of harder fly balls but most guys don’t have enough power to hit it over the opposite field defender’s head. A 300-foot hit is an out most of the time. Inside ground balls, there are so many more places you can hit that ball. Some guys can inside out it, some can hit it up the middle, some guys can roll over it and go down the third base line. You can hit it anywhere. But the outside pitch?”

• As for who should win the Cy Young, I think Brandon McCarthy has got it right.  Check out his recent tweet below:

NL CY Young voters: no matter which of the three you vote for, you got it right. Congrats! And horribly wrong. Idiot.

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) October 2, 2015

• For those interested, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes will be hosting a Championship Trophy Viewing Party on Thursday, October 15th at LoanMart Field.  Go here for information.
• Topps has just released a 10" x 14" poster printed on trading card stock that celebrates the Dodgers entry into the 2015 postseason.  It is stylized as a concert poster.  Check it out on the right.  It is limited to 25 copies, and a "1 of 1" version in gold is also available.  Check it out here.
• This really sucks.  I liked Paco a lot.  Hopefully, he can bounce back quickly.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Paco Rodriguez Undergoes Tommy John Surgery."
• I wasn't very happy when I first heard about this kind of thing happening, so I'm glad they are trying to stop it.  Via Craig Calcaterra at NBC Sports, "Congress to ban “pay for patriotism” promotions at stadiums."
• As you may know, the A's recently hired the first woman coach - Justine Siegal.  Here is an interview with her, via Kiley Kroh at Think Progress: "Baseball Is For Girls: A Conversation With The First Female Coach For An MLB Team."

Well, I love baseball. And I love coaching. I’ve wanted to be a college baseball coach since I was 16 and, at that time, a woman had never done that. Then I got to coach with the Rox, which was professional. For me, you can’t ask whether it was one or the other — am I doing it because I love coaching or am I doing it to show that it can be done? — because it’s both. I consider it an honor to be a role model and almost everything I do is in essence to show girls that their dreams can come true. But it’s not just girls that need to be shown that they have a place in baseball, it’s that boys need to know that girls have a place in baseball. And when you can be a productive member of staff, then you get the best of both worlds, which is be in the game you love, help players become better, and show the world that girls and women can be part of this game.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2015 - Dodger Links - Heisey, Hernandez and Ismael Valdez

WooHoo!

Chris Heisey sure did make the most of his opportunities yesterday afternoon.  With the Dodgers still down by a run in the 5th inning he came up to bat with the bases full, and unloaded to deep left for a grand slam.  His homer would give the club a four run cushion and more than enough runs to end the homestand with a victory.  You can watch his home run here.

Considering the roller coaster season he's had it's nice to see him contribute in a big way.  No doubt he's ecstatic that the front office decided to bring him back from Toronto after being released by the Dodgers in mid-August.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“I had a tough year, up and down, haven’t played like I wanted, but it’s nice to help the team get a win, especially when we need wins to clinch a playoff berth,” Heisey said. “I know Clayton didn’t want to come out of the game. He pitched well, gave up a few runs, but I felt he was in pretty good control. He was a little frustrated coming out, but it was great to get him the win, like I said, and get the team the win.”

Kershaw had this to say about Heisey, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

“For those guys to step up like that. … Heisey, he’s such a gamer, I love Heis, for him to do that after the kind of year he’s had, it’s unbelievable. I’m thankful, honestly.”

Photo above of Chris Heisey being greeted at home plate by Tuner and Kendrick via @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to check out a bunch of great pics from Jon SooHoo and Jill Weisleder from yesterday's game.  BTW, the "Magic Number is now at 3 games.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Hernandez progressing toward return to Dodgers."
  

  "Kiké for me, 100 percent, he's going to play this season. Unless he has a setback in these next few days," Mattingly said. "He's been running at full speed -- or really close to it -- three or four times and bounced back and recovered every time."

  Puig, on the other hand, is a work in progress.  He may not be back before the end of the season
  

  "Yasiel, the most I've seen on a report is 70 percent. He's still having problems running," Mattingly said.

• There will probably be a bunch of cards like this coming directly from Topps over the coming months.  Available now are limited edition tribute posters that use the vintage 1952 Baseball design of Corey Seager.  They measure 10"x14", are numbered to 99 copies and can be purchased for $29.99.  Check it out here, and a pic is on the right.  The "1 of 1" edition is already sold out.
• Former Dodger pitcher Ismael Valdez has been busy in his native Mexico working to promote and develop Baseball in the country, via Deporte.org, "Unidos CONADE e Ismael Valdez por el impulso del beisbol."  With CONADE (Mexico's National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport) Valdez spoke with over 50 kids and their parents on the importance of teamwork.

• I thought this was worth listening to if you hadn't already.  Below, Vin Scully talks a bit about the passing of Baseball legend Yogi Berra.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Topps First Pitch Cards of Jessica Alba and Elle Fanning

One of my favorite inserts from this season is Topps "First Pitch" set, so imagine my delight when some new cards came to light.  Check out the Jessica Alba and Elle Fanning cards below.

I ran into these cards while perusing eBay and I'm now scratching my head wondering where the heck they came from.  I now for a fact they have yet to be included into Topps flagship sets, but based on their existence it seems likely they'll be in the upcoming "Update" set coming out next month.

For the moment, the Alba and Fanning cards are available only as 5"x7" jumbo cards and are limited in number, so they must have come directly from Topps online.  Over the past year Topps has been selling limited edition 5x7 cards to collectors.  Oftentimes, they are larger size versions of cards already found in packs, but sometimes they offer entirely new and unique sets.

With regards to the "First Pitch" set they recreated the 25 card set found in Topps Series 1 & 2 in 5x7 form, and have them for sale right now (check them out here).  As you know, first pitches featured at Dodger Stadium in Series 1 & 2 include Jeff Bridges, Jermaine Jones, Suzy, Kelsey Grammer and Melissa McCarthy, but no Alba or Fanning.  So, what gives?

Are these cards a part of that set Topps is currently selling, or was there a second set of cards Topps created that is no longer listed on their website?  Since the checklist provided at Topps doesn't include either of these actors I hesitate to assume they are a part of that set.  If you happen to know where these come from please let me know.

In the meantime, take a gander at these ladies throwing the ball.

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Greinke, Scully and Bill Murray

Joc Pederson is pumped!  He's as excited as you can be to have been selected an All-Star, and is no doubt relishing the chance to show off his swing during the home run derby.  BTW, he'll face-off against Orioles slugger Manny Machado in the first round of the derby, and then either Pujols or Bryant in the next round.  Here he is above showing off the National League team jersey.  Photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Molly Knight at Vanity Fair, "How the Dodgers Went from Mismanaged Failure to One of the Most Valuable Teams in Sports."

(Magic Johnson) wanted an owner who was committed to building a winning team. During his meeting with the Guggenheim executives, he looked at Walter and asked: “Are you doing this for the investment or are you doing this to win?” Walter didn’t hesitate: “I’m doing this to win,” he said, adding that he hoped to leave the team to his daughter one day. 

• I love this man!  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Bill Murray says Cardinals fans are 'Satan's messengers on Earth'"
• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Dodgers, Giants favorites to sign top international prospect (Eddy Julio) Martinez."

Martinez could command at least a $10 million bonus, and his contract will send the team that signs him into the maximum penalty under the international signing guidelines -- 100-percent tax on the bonus pool overage and the inability to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods -- if it is not already there.

• Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Listen as Vin Scully teaches you how to speak Japanese."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Zack Greinke finishes historic first half with 1.39 ERA, 35 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his experience getting Pedro Baez's autograph at Walmart yesterday, here.
• Topps has just issued a limited (1 of 1) 10"x14" All-Star Game online exclusive cards of twenty players and Dodger rookie Joc Pederson is included.  See it below.  Go here to check it out.  This is already sold out, but have no fear.  Limited 5"x7" complete set versions are also available.
  
  

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2015 - Dodger Links - Newcombe, Pierre and Tsao

Yasiel Puig is seen taking batting practice underneath the confines of Dodger Stadium before yesterday's game.  Considering the tough go he's had at it lately, he no doubt needed it.  My question, though, is who is the little tyke on the bottom left of the photo?  Ain't he in mortal danger of getting a ball fouled back towards him?  Tough guy, that kid is.

The above photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more pics from him from yesterday's game.  Below are some links to check out:

• Get well!  Via an ESPN report, "Don Newcombe leaves Dodger Stadium for hospital after feeling ill."
• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Juan Pierre is the best of sports."

Juan Pierre, who memorably accompanied his retirement announcement with the amusing lament that while he had 18 career home runs, he wished he had 20, was lighthearted Monday responding to my tweet that he had been the only position player in Dodger history to start in the No. 9 slot in the batting order after the pitcher.

• The 3rd Annual Kershaw's Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event is coming up on July 30th.  Go here for information.
• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Crawford aims to return after All-Star break."

"I think [trainer] Stan [Conte] has a plan mapped out for him to be playing through the break so they have the same time off that we do," Mattingly said. "Then we can see where he's at."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers to call up Chin-hui Tsao, per report."

"He gives me a lot of options to play with, whether it's backdoor breaking balls, cutters inside, fastballs up," said catcher Yasmani Grandal in March. "He can bring it too. I didn't know he could bring it that hard."

• Panini shares some preview picks from their 2015 Immaculate Baseball set; including the Kershaw card on the right.  Go here to see more.
• Nick Diunte at the Examiner.com tells us about a former Dodger who had recently passed away: "Buddy Hicks, former Detroit Tigers infielder, passes away at 87."
• Topps newest online exclusive creation is called "Fire" and it's an art print measuring 10"x14" and numbered for only #/49 copies.  Clayton Kershaw and Yasil Puig prints are available.  See them below.  Go here to check them out.  A rare "1 of 1" sepia version were also available, but have already been sold.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/23/2015 - Dodger Links - Crawford, Turner and a Pups in the Park Video

Look at the wondrous skies above Wrigley Field last night.

The setting sun sent splashes of orange, red and brown against bulbous formations that look like goosebumps.  There was almost a menacing feel to it - like the skies would open up at any second.  Storms throughout the area wreaked havoc causing lights to go out at Wrigley.  I imagine that they exploded in a flash like a Roy Hobbs home run off the top deck.

This predictably caused arguments to ensue.  Chicago, ever fearful of the master on the mound, protested having to bat against a Kershaw spinner without enough lights.  Via Jesse Rogers at ESPN:

"I didn't like the idea that we had to play against a guy that is really, really, really, really good," Maddon said. "And you have to see spin and you have to read everything. I did not like the fact that we had to go out and play without all the lights on. Just be a little more patient and wait for the lights to go on."

In the end, it didn't matter.

Kershaw gave up a couple of homers and the Dodgers didn't score enough runs.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's always frustrating to lose," said Kershaw, 21-3 as last year's National League MVP Award and Cy Yound Award winner but 5-5 this season. "It's a couple pitches here and there. I wish they were doubles instead of home runs. Maybe this was a little better than last time, but it's still a loss."

It was a tough loss.  For whatever reason the middle of summer the past several years always make me feel like the Dodgers take that one big step, only to take another step back at the next possible moment.

The fantastic photo at the very top is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos of yesterday's game from Jon.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Scott Schebler named PCL Player of the Week."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly: Crawford has to 'earn' way back."

That's good enough for Mattingly to say, "Andre's kind of taken that spot, to be honest with you."

• Check out this little tidbit, via a tweet from Beyond the Boxscore:

Best hitters in MLB over the past calendar year (150 PA minimum): J. Turner (185 wRC+) P. Goldschmidt (184) B. Harper (167) A. Rizzo (165)

— Beyond the Box Score (@BtBScore) June 22, 2015

• Check out Topps newest online exclusive offering.  It's a 18" x 24" movie style poster featuring Joc Pederson and Clayton Kershaw.  The design is inspired by the 1981 Topps Movie Giant Pin Ups.  It is numbered to only 99 copies.  Go here to check it out.  You can see it on the right.  Click on the pic to embiggen.
• I'm as confident as ever that Pete Rose should never be admitted into the Hall of Fame.  Per William Weinbaum and T.J. Quinn at ESPN, "Entries in long-hidden notebook show Pete Rose bet on baseball as player."

"Bertolini nails down the connection to organized crime on Long Island and New York. And that is a very powerful problem," Dowd said. "[Ohio bookie] Ron Peters is a golf pro, so he's got other occupations. But the boys in New York are about breaking arms and knees.

"The implications for baseball are terrible. [The mob] had a mortgage on Pete while he was a player and manager."

• Here's a fun video put out by the LA Times of "A Pug's-Eye View of Dodger Stadium" that was filmed during the recent Pups at the Park event at Dodgers Stadium.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Topps 1952 Tribute Online Exclusive Set - All the Dodger Cards

Topps newest online exclusive release is a 1952 Tribute set that includes 10 Dodger cards.  Check them all out below.  Go here to see them online.

Fantastic, eh?

I love the portrait photos with the pastel colored backgrounds, and you certainly can't beat the iconic 1952 set design. 

Individual 10"x14" cards are available that are numbered to #/99 copies.  There are also gold background "1 of 1" cards available, but those are going fast.  Also 5"x7" complete sets can also be purchased in both the base and gold background designs, and a bonus 11th mystery card can only be found in the gold background complete set.  If anyone gets that please let me know who that bonus card is.

Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2015 - Dodger Links - All Ferrell All the Time... Oh, Olivera, Ryu and Grienke Too

Yesterday was quite a spectacle.  Everyone in the stadium waited patiently for the arrival of the Cactus League traveling rookie known as Will Ferrell, and they were not disappointed.  He stumbled into the stadium wearing Giant colors (to the consternation of some in the crowd) and emerged from the Dodger dugout in Blue.

The crowd roared.  They laughed.  And best of all, we saw him throw a "slurge"

"Have you ever heard of a slurge? I'm going to throw that, I learned it in Japan"

Dodger catcher Austin Barnes was a bit tongue-tied after that.

The evening was everything you hoped it would be.  It was fun, off the cuff and thoroughly entertaining.  I get that there are some who disliked the entire show, but those voices are few and far between.  After all, in a game that starts from late February to October, having a moment to collectively laugh and smile all at once is a welcome change.  Heck, it's exactly the kind of thing to break us away from the drugery and seriousness that is everyday life. 

Will Ferrell was clocked at 55.8 MPH. 2.7 MPH faster than this Vicente Padilla eephus in 2010. Ike Davis hit a bomb http://t.co/xMFTl9Gc5e
— Daren Willman (@darenw) March 13, 2015

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more photos from Jon from yesterday.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger insider shares a video of Ferrell pitching to his one batter, here.  There's also a video of the games only run - a game winning dinger by rookie Joc Pederson.  Below is a GIF from the Dodgers on tumblr.

• Here's a peek at the Ferrell Dodger game-used jersey that will be on auction at MLB.com.  I'll be sure to let you all know when it comes up for sale.

Will Ferrell's jersey authenticated after taking the mound for the @Dodgers #FerrellTakesTheField #LightsOut pic.twitter.com/Zq6Do4P5c5
— MLB Authenticator (@MLB_Authentic) March 13, 2015

• Via Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers Already Have Hector Olivera."  Cameron makes a good argument why the Dodger don't need him because they already have a player who is just like him.  And it's not who you might expect.

However, when reading scouting reports about Olivera’s expected performance, I can’t shake the idea that the Dodgers already have this player; he just goes by the name of Justin Turner.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Olivera is hot item, but there's elbow mystery; Dodgers seek 2nd MRI."   Olivera has apparently declined to provide it.  If this is the case then I think that should end our pursuit of him
• Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers Spring Training Video: Greinke Working On Improving Slider."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Hyun-jin Ryu sets tone for Dodgers in Cactus League debut."  He went two innings, retired all 6 batters he faced and threw only thirty pitches.

"I felt great," Ryu said after his performance. "I didn't really think about it as a regular game. It was more like a preparation for the regular season, to get healthy."

• Topps newest online exclusive card offering is called "Past, Present & Future," and as the name suggest it includes three Dodgers' on a single card.  There are two different versions, and three variations available (#/99, #/10 & #/1).  Check them both out below.  Go here to see them at the Topps website.  BTW, the "1 of 1" variations have already been sold. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2015 - Dodgher Links - Urias, Kershaw and Corey Seager

Spring has just begun and Dodger Nation is already showing up in droves to catch a glimpse of the "Boys in Blue."  The above photo of a couple of Dodger "fanaticos" was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics of his from yesterday. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Jorge L. Ortiz at USA Today, "Lean, mean, only 18: Dodgers' Julio Urias gets serious."

"Fernando already completed his own great career. Now it's up to me to do what I can,'' he said. "I don't know if I'll ever measure up to what he did, but I have to put in the work. I know about the comparisons, but I don't feel any pressure to live up to what he accomplished. I'll have my own career and hopefully it's a successful one as well.''

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw unimpressed by first 'pen session of spring."

"I'm healthy and feel great, but it was a pretty bad [bullpen session]," said Kershaw. "I hope the next one is better. I was all over the place, but my arm and body feel good."

Ellis saw it differently.

"He was really good," said Ellis. "I think he's ahead of us and just waiting for us to catch up."

• Via Mike Petriello at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers And The Cubans That Haven’t Worked Out."
• Topps has just released a Retro Spring Training 10" x 14" print available directly from them online.  A pic is on the right.  Go here to check them out.  A version numbered to 49 copies is available at $24.99.  I think this would look great with a bunch of signatures.  
• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares what appears to be the first Dodger prank of the young season, here.  JP Howell did the ol' "hid all his stuff" prank on new Dodger pitcher and friend Joel Peralta.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN LA, "Corey Seager makes a good first impression."

“I just want to soak up as much as I can,” Seager said. “Just observe is basically what I’m trying to do.” 

• I don't even know why I'm linking to this.  It's just plain stupid... And slightly entertaining... Even if Tommy wasn't that entertained.  Via TMZ, "Tommy Lasorda Nods Off at Hot Burlesque Show."
• Old friend alert.  Former Dodger Nick Punto will not be playing ball this season, but may resume his career the following year, via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors.  Also, Dan Haren showed up for the Marlins Spring Training in Florida, via the Marlins on twitter.  I guess all of that talk several months back about not wanting to play for them was just posturing.
• The Dodgers single-A affiliate Great Lake Loons will host Star Wars Night, via their twitter:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 1/28/2015 - Dodger Links - About Yoan Moncada

The Dodgers continued their community caravan yesterday afternoon at Hollenbeck Middle School in Los Angeles.  Former Dodgers' Al Downing, Lee Lacy, Tim Leary and Dennis Powell visited with 100 students.  The photo above of the entire group is from Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos from him of the event.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider tells us the "New uniform numbers for the 40-man roster."  Joc Pederson will wear a new number; #31.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Robert Carson, Theo Alexander suspended 50 games for positive drug test."
• ICYMI:  Here's a great story by Jorge Arangure Jr. at Vice Sports about Yoan Moncada and, "The Weirdest Cuban Baseball Defector Story You'll Ever Read."

Hastings won't talk about what role Nicole Banks—a California based agent with previous experience representing Cubans—played in Moncada's travels.

Banks is rumored to be romantically involved with Moncada and to have possibly had his child in September. In early October, a baby registry existed on the website thebump.com that listed Banks' and Moncada's names with a due date of September 2014. That registry has since been changed to show only Banks' name and a September 2015 due date.

• Just more Yoan Moncada news.  Via Ben Badler at Baseball America, "MLB, Not OFAC, Is Why Yoan Moncada Can’t Sign."

The holdup is that MLB won’t let Moncada—or any Cuban player, for that matter—use the general license any more. That wasn’t always the case. Yasiel Puig, for example, signed using the general license. It’s not clear what exactly changed, but at some point in 2012 after Puig signed in June that year, MLB no longer allowed Cuban players to sign using the general license and instead required them to apply for the specific license, which is a written document from OFAC. That goes beyond what the government requires from Cuban players to be able to begin their careers, and with some players waiting six months to receive their licenses, MLB’s policy has added a significant bottleneck for those players.

On the other hand, Jeff Passan at Yahoo writes that the Treasury Department has just announced they will no longer be issuing specific licenses referenced above, so Moncada may be able to sign a contract sooner rather than later.

MLB was drafting a letter to OFAC on Tuesday asking for a meeting in the near future to clarify the new regulations and potentially change league policy, which requires a specific unblocking license. Should a meeting take place soon, one league official estimated Moncada could be free to negotiate with teams within two weeks.

“If OFAC confirms that the process for unblocking Cuban players is no longer to apply for a specific license,” the official said, “MLB will conform to the law.”

• Topps is selling exclusively through their website a Sy Berger 1951 Tribute Collection of cards featuring the 1951 Red/Blue Back set design, and several Dodgers are included.  See them above.  Available are 10" X 14" sized prints of Kershaw, Puig and Jackie Robinson, as well as, postcard-sized cards sold in complete set form.  Go here to check them out at Topps.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw to Pitch Subway and Japan Loves Butera

The legend of Drew Butera has just begun.  He is getting a lot of love in Japan.  Pic above via @TheReal2ryoSS on twitter.  Here is a pic of another sign made by a Japanese Baseball fan extolling their love for Butera.

Below are some links to check out:

• Go here and bid often.  The Negro League Baseball Museum has up a bunch of auctions on eBay featuring MLB game-used negro league commemorative uniforms worn over the past couple of years; including players like Rusty Kuntz, Rafael Soriano and Ed Yost.
• Clayton will be the new Jared.  Via Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, "Kershaw signs on with Subway."

"The key for us is authenticity," Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. "We found out that Clayton would stop by a Subway before going to the ballpark and that meant a lot to us that he was a fan of the brand."

• Uh-oh.  Via Gus Garcia-Roberts at Newsday, "Anthony Bosch told feds that agent Scott Boras tried to cover up Manny Ramirez's PED use, sources say."
• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Garvey mentors son at Dodgertown fantasy camp."

"Just seeing all the pictures in the hallways and the memories you see and you hear, especially being around the locker rooms with all these greats, the stories about Dodgertown, and then it finally comes true when you come here," Ryan (Garvey) said. "You see it and you actually live and see it through their eyes what they've been through and what kind of place they kind of grew up in.

"Like they said, this was like a home away from home for a lot of guys. I feel like deep down inside, it's a home away from home, even just being here three or four days. Just the history here and being with my dad."

• Coming out next week will be Panini's 2014 Classics Baseball.  Check out some preview pics here.  Below are a couple of Dodger cards.

• The fabled Barry Halper Collection auction takes another hit.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Collector Suing over Mays Items in Halper Auction."
• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 MVP award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  These prints uses a different profile pic than the recently issued CY Young award prints.  There are three different versions of the MVP prints; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Schebler, Rojas and Farhan Zaidi on the Hot Stove

While playing some Baseball in Japan Yasiel Puig still finds time to do the tourist thing.  Here he is with a Geisha/  Photo via @MLBFanCave on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com, "Fall League observations: Dodgers' Schebler impresses vs. former No. 1 pick."

(Scott) Schebler had the two best at-bats against Appel. He dealt with six straight mid-90s fastballs in the second inning, getting ahead in the count 3-1 and blasting a 95-mph heater over the fence in right-center. Schebler fouled off a changeup to lead off the fourth before coaxing four straight balls for Appel's lone walk.

• Via Michael Duarte at Latin Times, "Latinos In The US: Dodgers Shortstop Miguel Rojas Talks Journey To Big Leagues, Family And Heritage."

LT: I heard you got married earlier this year, congratulations. I know that your wife, Mariana was living in Caracas until the season started, but since then she has been here with you. How has she helped you this season?
MR: My wife Mariana has been great for me this year because this is the first year she has been here with me in the United States. She keeps me away from distractions. Your first year in the big leagues, there is a lot of media surrounding you and a lot of temptations. That’s been the biggest thing; she has been great for me.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Lure of Dodgers 'think tank' landed Gabe Kapler."
• Via Erin Edwards at Dodger Insider, "Another Dream(field) becomes a reality."

“This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when a community focuses their energies towards the possible,” said Buscaino. “In only one year, Leland Park went from being an abandoned trouble magnet to one of the nicest baseball parks in the City thanks to the efforts of the neighbors, the Department of Recreation and Parks, my office and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.”

• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 CY Young award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  There are three different versions; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

• Listen to Dodger Gm Farhan Zaidi on Hot Stove:

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2014 - Dodger Links - Howard for Hodges, Tommy Davis and GO ROYALS!

Lexi knows what's up!  If she can do it twice, so can you.  This photo was shared on twitter by @MLBFanCave and came via @kc85wilson on twitter, and it's the greatest thing I've seen on twitter in a long time.  Go Royals Go!

As you know Game 7 of the World Series is tonight, and if your not paying attention to it then you're missing out.  This is the kind of event all sports fans dream of.  After 162 game season, a wild card game, two playoff league series and six games in the finals we are down to just one more game.  It's THE final game of the year and I suspect both teams will leave everything they've got on the field. 

Mike Oz at Big League Stew tells us about the "Seven of the most memorable World Series Game 7s in baseball history" that is definitely worth checking out before tonight's game.  If I had to choose the best of the seven I'd go with the Sandy Koufax's shutout against the Twins in the 1965 series - obviously. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings (and a writer for Examiner.com) shares a video where, "Frank Howard emphatically endorses Gil Hodges Hall of Fame candidacy."  You can also check out Nick's story at Examiner.com here.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Tommy Davis’ 1962 — thou shalt not pass."  This winter they'll be taking a look back at some of the greatest individual seasons in Dodger history.

“I tell everybody I was a Bible hitter,” Davis said. “When they say, ‘What does that mean, I’d say, ‘Thou shalt not pass. The first pitch is coming, I’m swinging.’”

• Cary also tells us about the historical connections between the Dodgers and the Lakers/NBA.  I'm surprised to learn how many NBA players were once a part of the Dodger system.
• Dodger owner/partner Peter Gruber shares a video on twitter that tells us a bit about the value of player analytics to the Dodgers:

alex tamin head of #baseball research contracts & operations @dodgers explains the value of player analytics http://t.co/Vv19m0hzzq
— Peter Guber (@PeterGuber) October 28, 2014

• Topps is now getting into limited edition apparel.  They are now offering a 1988 Dodgers 'Miracle Men' Orel Hershiser patch Baseball cap limited to just 99copies for $39.99.  Check it out here.  See a pic of it on the right.  Limited edition patch caps also exist for Reggie Jackson, Alan Trammel, Willie Stargell, Gary Carter, Rollie Fingers and Ryne Sandberg.
• I've got mad respect for Blazer's Edge.  (Hat Tip via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA)
• Via Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports, "Vanguard after the Revolution: Bill James sparked a baseball insurrection, but he has regrets about the world he wrought." 

He groans whenever he hears people discount leadership or team chemistry or heart because they cannot find such things in the data. He has done this himself in the past … and regrets it.

“I have to take my share of responsibility for promoting skepticism about things that I didn’t understand as well as I might have,” he says. “What I would say NOW is that skepticism should be directed at things that are actually untrue rather than things that are difficult to measure.

“Leadership is one player having an effect on his teammates. There is nothing about that that should invite skepticism. People have an effect on one another in every area of life. … We all affect another’s work. You just can’t really measure that in an individual-accounting framework.”

• BTW, for the third season in a row Anaheim Angels slugger Mike Trout won the 2014 Stan Musial Award from the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  In the National League Clayton Kershaw won the award.  The Stan Musial Award recognizes the MVP in each league. I had picked Kershaw on my National League ballot.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *